2008-09-19, 11:05 AM
I would actually argue the opposite.
The internet grants people relatively high levels of anonymity. A rather large portion of people choose to abuse it to be "someone else", whether it be by being a smartass, a bully, a troll, etc. These are all things they wouldn't do in real life because the consequences are much more evident. The prevalence of sayings like "lolz it's just the internet" and such only serves to hide behind the screen in order to try to "validate" immature behaviour - the behaviour that they'd do in real life if they knew could get away with it.
At the same time, I think it's obvious that there is less respect for others online. It seems as though being online fosters a sense of entitlement and an inflated ego in several posters/gamers/etc... The internet is (for the most part), a cesspool for immaturity
At least, the areas of it that most teenagers frequent are.
Of course, it's not all bad. It does facilitate learning, research and several other "mature" things to do. I say this as I have a wide grin on my face while checking the NYSE:C stock
Made 50% in 2 days 
The internet grants people relatively high levels of anonymity. A rather large portion of people choose to abuse it to be "someone else", whether it be by being a smartass, a bully, a troll, etc. These are all things they wouldn't do in real life because the consequences are much more evident. The prevalence of sayings like "lolz it's just the internet" and such only serves to hide behind the screen in order to try to "validate" immature behaviour - the behaviour that they'd do in real life if they knew could get away with it.
At the same time, I think it's obvious that there is less respect for others online. It seems as though being online fosters a sense of entitlement and an inflated ego in several posters/gamers/etc... The internet is (for the most part), a cesspool for immaturity
At least, the areas of it that most teenagers frequent are.Of course, it's not all bad. It does facilitate learning, research and several other "mature" things to do. I say this as I have a wide grin on my face while checking the NYSE:C stock
Made 50% in 2 days